Runny Egg, Crispy Pork—This Is Katsudon!

Have you ever tried katsudon before? It’s one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods—quick to serve, quick to eat, and easy on the wallet. What’s not to love? Let’s dive into the delicious world of katsudon together!

Quick to Eat

Katsudon has long been loved by Japanese working dads. They work incredibly hard and often don’t have time to enjoy a slow lunch. Katsudon is their lifesaver!

During a short break, they step into a katsudon restaurant, place their order, and within minutes, the steaming bowl is served. Since it’s a one-bowl meal, it’s quick to eat, quick to pay, and quick to get back to work.

This is the rhythm of Japanese working dads—and katsudon fits perfectly into their busy lives.

What is Katsudon?

Japanese dads are particular about taste. Their lunch must be served quickly—and of course, it has to be delicious. Even during a short break, they won’t settle for anything less than a satisfying meal. Katsudon delivers both speed and flavor, making it the perfect choice for hardworking dads across Japan. Katsudon isn’t just delicious—it’s a beloved dish that many Japanese moms prepare for lunch at home.

At its heart, katsudon is a bowl of steamed Japanese rice topped with a savory pork cutlet. The katsu is a thick slice of pork fillet, deep-fried until golden and crispy. Then, it’s simmered briefly with onions in a sweet and savory broth, and finished with a lightly beaten egg poured over the top.

The egg stays soft and slightly runny, with just a bit of firmness around the katsu. The pork cutlet remains crispy, so when you take a bite, you get that satisfying crunch! Meanwhile, the rice absorbs the flavorful broth, making every mouthful rich and comforting.

You eat the katsu and rice together with chopsticks—simple, hearty, and unmistakably Japanese.

When you bite into the katsu, it bursts with juicy flavor—the savory broth and pork juices mix together in the most mouthwatering way. I don’t even need words to describe how tasty it is… it’s just that good!

And the runny egg? Absolutely essential. It gently coats the crispy katsu, creating a texture that’s soft, rich, and still crunchy. Have you ever experienced that kind of contrast before? You must try it—it’s a bite of pure Japanese comfort.

You’ll find rice bowl restaurants all across Japan—and chances are, katsudon is on the menu! Even soba restaurants often serve katsudon alongside noodles. And of course, there are specialty katsudon shops too!

So when you visit Japan, don’t miss the chance to try this delicious dish. If you’re curious about Japanese rice bowls, check out my article below!

Summary

Actually, katsudon is best enjoyed at a restaurant. At home, you’d need to fry the pork cutlet first, then simmer onions in savory broth, add the katsu, and pour in the egg—all in perfect timing. It takes several steps, and the katsu often ends up getting soggy.

Ahh, I want to eat katsudon right now! But you know, rice bowl restaurants in Japan can sometimes feel a little intimidating for women to walk into alone… That’s why I usually visit with my husband and kids. It’s more fun that way—and the katsudon tastes even better when shared!